Youth Programs
Rotary Youth Exchange
Ages 15-18
Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity that lasts anywhere from a few
weeks to a full year. Click here to learn more.
Youth Exchange is a program offered in Rotary Clubs from over 100 countries. Serving as a way to learn new languages, discover new cultures, and provide peaceful relationships, Youth Exchange is an important part of young people becoming global citizens.
Short term and long term exchanges are offered. Short term exchanges last from several days to 3 months and are often structured as camps, tours, home-stays and occur when school is not in session. Long term exchanges usually last one full academic year and students attend school and live with multiple host families.
Various Rotary Clubs contribute by providing room and board as well as school fees. Students are usually responsible for round trip airfare, travel insurance, travel documents and spending money/additional travel/tours.
Our Rotary Club recently sent local high school student, Grace Carey to Italy. We were also hosting French high school student, Julie Marie, during the 2018-19 school year. Julie Marie is pictured below with former East Aurora Rotary President, Bob Young.
Interact
Ages 12-18
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun.
RYLA
Ages 19-25
RYLA is an acronym for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. RYLA is leadership training for young adults (19-25 years) led by a professional facilitator experienced in youth leadership development and supported by RYLA graduates and Rotarians;
One week residential program on a college/university campus consisting of lectures, simulation games, discussion groups, committee work, public speaking, social activities;
An opportunity to learn, grow, share ideas, have fun and make new friends.